The rigger is responsible for ensuring that flat webbing and round slings are checked before use. Moreover, all flat webbing and round slings are subject to a mandatory annual inspection. After inspection, a new date label must be affixed to the blue label and the inspection findings added to the journal.
Storage and maintenance
- Flat webbing and round slings must be stored in a dry and preferably cool place.
- Wash flat webbing and round slings in clean water. Hang to dry in a well-ventilated space.
- Make a thorough examination of flat webbing and round slings before and after use.
- Check that the label is undamaged.
- Discard any damaged flat webbing and round slings or ask the dealer for advice.
- Repairs may only be undertaken by the manufacturer.
How to use round slings and endless lifting slings
- Examine slings for damage before using them. Round slings must never be worn to the extent that the white core is visible. Slight damage to the outer cover of an AGON double cover round sling is acceptable.
- On lifting slings, visible damage to the edges that amounts to more than 5% of the width of the sling is not acceptable.
- Check the load label to ensure compliance with WLL (Working Load Limit).
- Do not overload lifting slings.
- Protect slings from sharp edges and wear.
- Do not use slings at temperatures below -40 °C or above +100 °C.
- Always use identical slings in multi-leg lifts.
- Never tie knots in slings.
- Never attempt a lift if the sling seams are twisted or knotted.
- The sling seams must not coincide with the hook.
- Avoid shocks.
- Do not drag slings along the floor.
- Never expose straps to alkaline substances (e.g. ammonia, caustic soda).
- Inspect slings after use. A damaged sling must be taken out of service.
- Due to accelerated degradation of the fibre material, the expected useful lifetime of lifting slings that are regularly in contact with salt water is one (1) year.
General advice on lifting
- Lift with care. Avoid snatches.
- Wrapping a single round sling around itself reduces its WLL by up to 80%.
- Never overload lifting slings.
- Avoid sharp edges; use edge protectors.
- Pay attention to the risk of damage due to slipping and friction.
- Polyester lifting gear does not withstand contact with alkaline substances.
- Never operate with lifting gear that is worn or damaged.
- Never use polyester lifting gear to lift loads that are hotter than 100 °C.
Inspect lifting gear regularly.
Legal requirement
All lifting gear is subject to a mandatory annual inspection in line with applicable laws and regulations. AGON has prepared an overview of disposal criteria. You can find this list here >>
NB: DWEA (Danish Working Environment Authority) regulations stipulate mandatory journal entries regarding self-inspection of lifting slings. Ask AGON to provide a journal free of charge.
Slings shall be marked with the commissioning date. AGON performs a manufacturer’s inspection before packing. If the production date on the blue label is less than 12 months ago, this date label can be used instead of your own labelling. If the sling carries a QR code, you can download all the relevant data, including certificate and EU Declaration of Conformity.
